Voltage Drop and Electrical Service Planning

';	I need to run close to 250′ at 220v for 20A (or 110v for 40A, but considering the length of run and voltage drop over distance, presume to go with 220v) wire size is borderline between #6 and #8… © By: Dave Rongey

Electrical Wiring Video

Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More

Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!

Learn more with my Home Electrical Video Course:

Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Calculating Voltage Drop for Wire Size
[ad#block]Question: I need to run close to 250′ at 220v for 20A (or 110v for 40A, but considering the length of run and voltage drop over distance, presume to go with 220v) wire size is borderline between #6 and #8.

My question is, in the interest of economy, can I run the #6/2 or #8/2 for 125′ and then #10/2 for the second leg of 125′
(I also considered halving the amperage to 10A, and running a pair of #10/2 for the 250′ – 500′ of #10 being more economical than 250′ of #6 (or #8)
Any advise or admonition appreciated
Thanks!

This electrical question came from: Lana, a Homeowner from Monterey, CA, USA
Additional Comments: very helpful

Dave’s Reply:

Thanks for your electrical question Lana.
The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Calculations and Formulas

Voltage Drop Calculations
Voltage drop is an essential factor in determining the correct wire size to prevent voltage loss which will occur in long distance runs of electrical wire or cable

Electrical Calculations and Formulas

wire

Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

For more information about 220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring Diagram

Wiring 220 Volt Electrical Outlet
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how electrical outlets for the home are wired.

The following may also be helpful for you:

A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

More articles about Calculations and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Electrical Wiring to NEC Standard	Why Outdoor Flood Lights Go On and Off

»How To Wire It RIGHT! «
Wire it with Confidence!
Fully Illustrated
Instant Download

Now You Can
Wire it like a Pro!

Residential Electrical Wiring

Learn Electrical Wiring
Instructional Electrical Wiring Videos

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.